And again,
let me just.
All right, I'm ready when you are.
All right.
So some of your name,
your age or what?
Graduated in school and where you go
to school.
My name is Andrew Raglan.
I'm a junior at Middleton High
School. We.
Sorry to.
Interrupt. What did you.
Name and then you can pick.
You can say your age or
your age tomorrow.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Or you can say what year you are in
school. Yeah, whichever one you want
to give.
And then the school where you go
to school.
Hi, my name is Andrew Krogman and
I'm a junior at Middleton High
School.
Okay.
Could you do that one more time?
My name is Andrew Raghavan and I'm a
junior at Middleton High School.
Great.
And can you tell us what
instrument you play and how long
you've been playing it?
I've been playing violin.
I've been playing it for about
eight years, since I was seven years
old.
And is that the first instrument
you started playing, or did you
start with something different?
Yeah. So when I was about
five years old, my mom
enrolled me in Kinder music,
which is kind of like a percussion
like music thing.
And we had like this bringer
instrument kind of like show and
tell day.
And one girl brought the violin and
I was like, I want to do that.
So then I had to convince my mom for
a year to let me play violin.
And then that was like my first
since.
Right? Yeah.
What is it that you like about
violin?
It's very, like, lyrical
and definitely, like, obviously one
of, like, the higher instruments
that you can play, but it also,
like, has like, a really deep sound,
and I feel like it can really like.
Showcase like the emotion that,
like, humans feel.
Yeah.
Okay.
Can you tell us a little bit about
the place that you'll be, the piece
that you'll be playing in the final
four days?
Yeah.
So in the Final Four, I will be
playing Smelliest Violin Concerto
in D Minor
first Movement.
It's it starts out with like a
really icy kind of Arctic
opening and it's
very, like emotional.
And as it goes
throughout the piece, it kind of
builds and becomes like more fiery
and like more stormy.
And yeah, at the end it's kind of
just like.
Everything going on.
But yeah, I like playing it because
I feel like it can like really
portray like a lot of different,
like things.
Yeah.
Do you have a favorite part of the
piece?
Probably the opening
because I feel like it's
it's not like simple, but it's
very simple compared to like the
rest of the piece.
But I feel like that's like the most
beautiful part about it because
you're kind of just like setting the
ground and it's just like very like,
I don't know, It's like very ominous
and, like, open.
Yeah, I don't know.
Yeah.
Out of curiosity, how
long have you been working
on this particular piece of music?
I started it this summer,
like, right before I went to camps
and kind of, like, worked on it
at my, like, music camps.
And then I've just been working on
it since.
Yeah.
Can you tell us a little bit about
your your teacher, Eugene Perdue?
Yeah.
So I've been sitting with Mr. Perdue
for almost five years.
He has definitely held me so much
like not only with technique
and like, musicality, but also just
like how I, like, view the violin
and like, yeah, like how I
view my relationship with the violin
before. Like when I would do
this like competitions and just do
music things in general, I'd get
like really, really nervous.
But he's like kind of helped me
prepare myself for like, these
situations and how to like,
yeah, just how to figure
out.
Like, my emotions.
Yeah. But yeah.
And also just like, realize that
violin is not like something that
you're going to be always judged on.
It's like a tool to help people
and, like, share like, what you've
been working on.
Yeah.
How did you start working
with Eugene?
So I used to study at Suzuki
Strings in Madison.
And a lot of people, after they
kind of graduated from, like, the
Suzuki books because there's like
ten different books you would go
to like different teachers.
And a lot of people went to Mr.
Purdue.
So I was like, Yeah, maybe this is
my time to, like, see.
But yeah.
Okay.
Is there
anything that's, like really
tricky or difficult or that you
don't like doing with lessons with
him?
No, not.
Really. I don't know.
Yeah, he's always been, like,
supportive. And I think also, like,
what's nice is he never, like,
treats me that like
I'm the student.
And he is, like, so much more
knowledge, but he treats me like as
an individual and we're just like
working and seeing like, what works
best for like, me and like my
journey.
Okay.
Can you tell us a little bit about
your other involvement with music?
I believe you did some singing.
Yeah. So at Middleton High
School, I'm in choir with
Jamie Pitt.
It's really fun to, like, engage
myself in other types of music
that's like not just violin
because like, with the violin, it's
like a physical instrument, but like
when you sing, it's like your own
voice. So it's like a different
way to express yourself.
And yeah, I really enjoy.
Singing.
What kind of music do you like
listening to?
I really kind of depends as I love
listening to, like, my
pieces that I'm working on in the
car business. Kind of like a
different way to, like, retain
the piece.
I don't know. I like listening to,
like, pop music.
Also, like, jazz piano is
kind of like everything you.
So for violin, do you enjoy,
like the more classical stuff
or
what? What what's your favorite to
play?
Yeah, I think we've obviously been
more exposed to classical music.
But yeah, honestly, like anything,
if I was given a piece, I would like
try it and see if I liked it.
But.
How do you feel when you play the
violin?
I feel as though.
Like it's a way to
express myself without
words.
I feel like now I
feel kind of like empowered just
knowing that, like, the thing that I
do, just like, for fun, could, like,
affect so many people in different
ways and be like an opportunity
to, like, create joy
and like, yeah, just like create
an impact on someone's life.
And it's not just like me playing my
little violin, but it's like, can
like, have a bigger impact?
Yeah. So like, yeah, it
just kind of feels like,
yeah, just like begin, like, open.
I don't know.
Yeah.
Have you ever played with a symphony
orchestra before?
No, not yet.
No.
So it will be exciting.
Yeah, I'm excited.
Have you ever performed an overture
before?
No.
Actually.
When I was, like, ten
years old, Suzuki Strings
in Madison did this, like,
school thing with
Madison Symphony, and we,
like, played Ode to Joy and
something or like, something.
And we were, like, on the stage.
I wasn't like, playing at all.
It's just like sitting up.
But yeah.
How how are you feeling about
that, that performance and
playing with so many
other talented musicians?
Of that.
Yeah.
It's definitely like nerve racking.
I think it's also like, so cool
that I'm like, able to, like,
share my music at such a like, high
level with other people who are like
so high level. So I'm definitely
like, honored.
I'm also just like excited to play
and like share my music.
Like it's a really like I really
want in my eyes, just like being
able to play like, like we've
all won like that.
So I'm like, just so excited
to play. I don't care about that.
Yeah.
Can you tell us a little bit about
some of your other interests
and how you like spending your time?
Yeah.
Outside of music, I
like well, I'm like part of, like
clubs at my high school.
I also like to tutor kids
through like a program and care.
So I go to like Middleton
Public Library every like
Wednesday's and Thursdays, and I
help, like, elementary school kids.
Yeah. But education is
like something that I'm, like,
really passionate outside of music.
So just like, yeah, just knowing
that I can make an impact on, like,
some kid's life and like,
then being able to, like, have a
completely different life just
because like, I helped them a little
bit. It's like something that I
like, want to do more in the future.
Yeah.
Can you talk a little bit about Wyso
and how you got involved with that?
Yeah. So I've been a part advisor
for a little more than eight
years.
I started yeah, like there's
a zoo featuring some artists and
they were like, there's like this
orchestra that you can audition for.
And I was like, okay, I'm going to
do that. And then, yeah, I
just, like, stayed there ever since.
It's kind of like.
I wouldn't say that it has
had an impact on me, but I feel like
since I've gone like so many
Saturdays consistently, it doesn't
feel like that big of a part of me
just because I've been doing it so
long. But yeah, it's definitely
shaped me as a musician
and taught me like different skills.
Like, yeah, like rhythm and just
like being in an orchestra and how
that's so much different than like,
playing like, solo.
Yeah.
Can you say?
For people who aren't familiar, can
you can you tell people what Wyso
is and
what it takes to be in it?
Yeah. So Wisconsin Symphony
Orchestras is
like a program with
five.
Orchestras, I think.
But yeah, there's just there's
like violins, violas,
cellos, like the
two, like younger orchestras are
only string orchestras.
And then when you get more high up
in like, the top three orchestras,
then there's like winds and brass,
but just kind of a place where,
like, kids, like
kind of any level will be put in an
orchestra and they can learn
different skills.
Yeah. And it's a really
good opportunity just to immerse
yourself in like other
types of music that you wouldn't
play alone just because there's so
many people involved that you can
play that like by yourself.
But yeah.
Do you have to try out?
Yeah. So there's auditions
where you just, like, play like,
little orchestra actives that
they'll give you in advance.
And then like, I think for like,
the younger kids, you also have to,
like, play scales or like one of
your solo pieces when you're
auditioning.
But it's a really easy process.
It's not like intimidating and
usually like you'll usually get and
you might not get in the orchestra
that you want, but it's always going
to be a good experience, like no
matter what.
Yeah.
Does Wyso have assignment for, like
first year, second chair?
Yeah. So like, every cycle
we'll get an email, like with the
seating chart and like, our music.
But yeah, it's just like
you see where your name is and you
said, Yeah, but yeah.
So what's your role in
the orchestra?
So right now I'm assistant
concertmaster and then the
concertmaster right now is actually
Jane Story, who was like a previous
finalist in the Final Four last
year. But yeah, it's kind of
yeah, it's cool to be in the front
and just like learn different
skills. I know that if I go into
music or whatever I do, then I'll be
able to use those skills.
Yeah.
Does the assistant or master
have any other
roles or responsibilities?
Well, just kind of like leading the
section because like, you're in the
front row. Also, if, like, Jane's
gone, then I have to fill in.
But no, not really.
And also, like, wherever you are,
like in the section, you're always
going to have like an important part
because like, you're the one, like,
creating the sound.
Like no matter if you're lost here,
like, first or it really doesn't
matter.
Yeah.
Can you talk a little bit about what
you do with the music
makers before Y
So rehearsals.
Yeah. So I'm a teen teacher
for boys, so Music Makers,
which is a program
that's for me, it's not only like
an orchestra program, but there's
like individualized lessons for kids
who are just starting music.
And yeah, I think it's
like a subsidized tuition.
So it's a little bit less than if
like.
You.
Like if you didn't have like the
full blown, like you want to just
like drop a bunch of money on violin
and you just want to, like,
experience like what it would be
like, That's kind of what it is.
But it's really cool to work with
younger kids and like just
kind of take myself back visits.
You can like get stuck in a mindset
like, I need to keep getting better
like this, and this is bad.
But also like I was once
like a kid like that.
I'm just like trying to like play
in the Easter egg like, so
yeah, I think it's cool to just
like, remember that each Saturday,
like, I'm there to, like, just learn
and like, go back to the basics.
Yeah.
What else do you enjoy about working
with the kids
there?
I think the kids have like such
curiosity and such like
openness for violin,
which like I feel like everyone has
when they start and it can change
as you grow older.
Business like more expectations,
but just like being there to like
play music and to like,
yeah, just like learn more.
They're, they're like full of
curiosity. And I think that's so
cool. And yeah, they
just don't care. They just want to
play music.
So. Yeah.
Can you talk a little bit about
CrossFit?
Yeah.
I started CrossFit in
2020 because
I have two older brothers and
one of my well, my oldest brother
was a captain in the Marine Corps,
so he was always like pretty fit.
And my other brother was like on
varsity basketball, so he's
definitely fit too.
So we we're trying to find a way to
stay fit throughout Covid.
And they did CrossFit before Covid,
but I was like, I want to do that.
So I've done like,
yeah, I've done like lifting
and running and it's kind of just
like combines everything
and I feel like it's a cross is
like a different way for me to like,
set goals for myself because
I feel like violent is very
subjective. Like you don't know if
you're improving or not, but like
with, like CrossFit, like if you
have a heavier weight, like, you
know, that you've like improved
because like now you can have your
way like with more reps.
But yeah, it's like, and
it's also a way to like get all of
your emotions out and like.
Yeah.
How do you feel before a workout
and after a workout.
Before.
A workout?
Usually I feel excited because I
know I'm going to enjoy it after.
Sometimes I'm nervous because.
I'm like, is really going to be
really hard.
But after I always feel good because
like, I completed it and like,
yeah, I always feel stronger after.
Are most of your CrossFit
classes with a lot
of other people or on your own?
Sometimes they're on my own if I
want to, like, work on specific
things, but usually they're like,
yeah, other high schoolers just
like, coming to train.
So it's like, fun.
Yeah.
Are you ever worry that you're going
to, like, injure your hands and then
not be able to play the violin?
Yeah, that happens.
Yeah.
There's been like a couple of times
where I've like thrown medicine
balls and then I've like called them
and I was like.
That hurt my finger.
Well, yeah, it's fun.
Like, I've dropped like a plate on
my phone, but I feel like that's
just part of life.
Like you're going to get hurt.
Yeah. Yeah.
Can you talk a bit about your
cultural heritage?
Yeah. So I'm half
Indian, half Lithuanian.
It's kind of cool to, like, know
that I'm a part of, like, so many
different, like, cultures because
I've been to India and I've also
been to Lithuania.
And yeah, they're just like, so
different in themselves.
Just like I feel like Lithuania is
almost like more similar to
Wisconsin, just based off
of temperature.
But they like both have such like
unique different cultures like
Lithuanians, obviously, like very
like European, very like.
Yeah. I don't know.
There's like very distinct culture
in India is kind of just like.
Its own culture.
So I feel like being in immersed in
like such different cultures makes
me feel like I'm a part of, like, so
many different things.
I don't know.
Earlier when we were talking, you
said that you go to Lithuania
in the summer a lot, but that can
make it hard for violin.
Yeah.
Can you talk a little bit more about
that?
Yeah. So every like
in the beginning of August, my
family always goes to Lithuania,
but with like music camps,
they usually, like bleed into August
and it kind of makes it hard
for me to, like, take an
international flight and then if
I'm, like, skipping camp.
But yeah, it used to be like a very
big part and I would get to like see
my cousins every summer.
But.
Yeah.
So it's just hard to see.
Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah.
When you travel, do you take your
violin with you?
I do, yeah.
It's kind of always like.
It's. Well, it's not a hassle, but
you always have to be, like,
cautious. Always Someone, like,
putting their suitcase into my
violin or, like.
Like, how's it going through?
Because, like, TSA, when it goes
through security, they always have
to, like, open and hand check it.
And then it takes like a while.
So it's just like annoying, but it's
fine.
So is that like one of your carry
ons?
Yeah.
Okay.
I would imagine you want other
bag handlers, but then.
Yeah, I wouldn't be putting it.
And.
Have you gotten to participate in
in music performances or anything
when you are in Lithuania
or India?
No, not really.
Just because like.
Yeah, I haven't really done that.
That would be something interesting
to look into.
I just think that, like, when I'm in
love, I just kind of like, try to
stay, like, with family and all,
like, practice like, obviously.
But I try to, like, immerse myself
in other things just because I do
like music a lot, like
when I'm home, so.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Yeah.
So how often are you
playing or practicing violin?
It really depends.
Like on the day and
like the time in school,
I feel like sometimes I.
Get, like, bombarded with, like,
homework, and then I'm like, I will
not be.
Practicing tonight, But I try to,
like, practice anywhere between
like one hour and like three hours
a day. But it really depends.
Like sometimes it's half an hour and
then sometimes it's like, I have no
homework. Like I'll practice for
hours. It just like really, it
really depends on like the schedule.
Yeah.
But it's really nice to go to
like music summer camps, like
Met Amount where like required to
practice five hours a day.
So just like having that like, time
that it's like, okay, everyone else
is practicing. Like I can just like
stay home and practice is really
nice to have that foundation.
So when I get back and like I have a
bunch of homework.
Like, I know I've done like a lot of
work like, before, so like, I'll
be fine.
So backing up to CrossFit a little
bit, can you tell us a little bit
about you work
with one coach mostly?
Yeah. So
Keesha, she does like all of
the high school classes and like the
younger groups.
But yeah, I've always worked
with her. She's super nice.
She's like definitely supportive,
but she's also a little bit.
Like.
She'll definitely be like in your
face if you're not working as hard
as.
Like, she knows you can.
But yeah, I definitely like her and
she's like always been a big
supporter.
So yeah.
Are there any exercises that
you really dread doing?
I.
I definitely don't like long
distance running.
I've definitely never been a long
distance runner.
I love sprints and like,
yeah, like just regular
weightlifting.
But like any, like long
distance running, I'm like, Or
if we do like a type of like
CrossFit workout where it's like
lifting and like, running and then
like, box jumps in like a bunch
of different things. Then it gets
kind of long and then there's a good
time capsule. You know, you're going
to be working until those times.
So it's like kind of hard.
But yeah, I usually like things.
I go for.
Can you talk a little bit about the
the card group that
you
are involved with at school?
Yeah. So I'm on board
of Letters of Love, which
is like a high school chapter
because Letters of Love is like a
global club and
it's like making cards for kids
in the hospital who like might be
feeling like a little bit down
and look like an uncertain time.
And it just kind of yeah, it's
just trying to make an impact on
different kids lives.
Even if we can't like, meet them
or like help them in any other way.
But yeah, it's really cool to know
that, like, I might have like, made
an impact in someone's life or
brighten up their day just by like
making a five minute card.
But yeah.
And then you said you also do
Student Senate.
Yeah. So I'm a grade
representative for my
student Senate.
So we have like eight different
grade representatives, so like two
per grade. And then we also have
like equity senators and
we work with like the school
principal to kind of just talk about
like school issues that we're
seeing.
We also work with like just like
school district wide staff
to try to implement different
policies that will really, like,
respect the ideas of the students
while also respecting
the teachers as well.
So just like kind of making our
school a better place.
Yeah.
Okay.
What else do you like to do to
relax?
I love sleeping.
I know. That's weird.
Yeah, I definitely.
Like sleeping.
It definitely clears my mind.
I like playing with my dog.
Yeah.
I also really like to bake and
like, cook when I can.
So just like making different
dinners and, like, making different
desserts is kind of fun and, like,
therapeutic.
He Tell us a little bit about your
dog.
Yeah. So my dog's name is
Molly. She's a German Shepherd husky
mix.
She's definitely full of energy.
And but she's also, like, very
caring and, like, she'll leave you
alone.
It's like you need space.
But, yeah, I've had her for
five years, and she's just been
like a.
Go for.
This. Molly Like to listen to
practice?
She does, actually.
She'll like, usually lie down
by, like, my stand or she'll start.
Barking on me.
To.
Stop.
But yeah, she doesn't.
I don't think she hates the violin
because I know, like, some dogs,
like, really dislike music, but
yeah, I think she's fine with it.
It's nice. Yeah.
Cool.
Are there any other hobbies
that we haven't talked about just
now that you want to make sure we
cover?
I don't know.
I think it's.
Fine. Yeah.
Okay.
What is
something that's kind of.
Challenging
in terms of music that's
might be more difficult for
you when you're practicing
on.
Definitely like fast passages
and just like technical stuff
that always takes like a long time
to, like, really solidify them.
You have to, like, practice it
slowly.
Also, just like making
sure that you're like, representing
yourself in like, the piece and
making sure that it isn't like you
just like copying someone else's
interpretation, but just like really
staying true to the music and like
expressing how you feel with this
piece. And that's also difficult.
Is your family supportive of you
playing violin?
Yeah.
Well, they definitely like that I
play violin, but I also like
no one in my family has ever played
like, music, like, seriously
or anything, So I'm kind of just
like.
Doing whatever I want.
Like, okay, like.
Fine with us for.
Yeah, they're definitely, they're
supportive of it.
How how was your experience
with this competition?
Ben So far?
Yeah, I've done this competition
through like all through high
school, but it's always
been I always like doing
competitions because I know like no
matter the outcome, always get like
feedback from the judges and I'll
be able to improve.
So I definitely like that about this
competition.
But yeah, I've had a good
experience. Like overall, I really
like doing it and being able
to like play with the orchestra
final is going to be really
exciting.
What is it that you like about
performing?
Yeah, like I've said this probably
before, but just like knowing that I
can like, make an impact on
the audience and like, the audience
is just there to listen and to
enjoy. So being able
to provide some sort of, like,
stability and just like.
Yeah. Like music to them
is just like, exciting itself.
And also just like knowing that I've
worked so hard on this, like, piece
for so long and then just like,
being able to share it is like also
exciting.
Pretty.
Is there anything else that you want
to add?
Yeah. I don't know.
I think it's fine. That's fine.
Okay.
Could you look at me one
more time? Yeah.
Keep eye contact with me.
Yeah. Say your
name. Grade in school.
Yeah.
In.
Yeah, just those three.
Things. My name is India Frogman,
and I'm sorry.
My name is.
Okay.
My name is Andrew Raghavan, and I'm
an 11th grader at Middleton High
School.
Wonderful. Okay.
Can you think of anything else?
Well, my question is always just
kind of been like, is there any
difference or do you find.
Maybe it's described like what your
what the right hand does versus the
left hand when playing the violin.
Like, do you feel strong your hand
or your or your finger in the hand?
Or are those considerations or
maybe anything along that theme?
Yeah.
The right hand is obviously like
probably from like an outsider would
seem as like less important because
like your left hand is just doing
all of like, the notes.
But I feel like to me,
like the right hand is definitely
more important because that's like,
like the way that the notes are
coming out and like being expressed.
So like, you can have like all of
the notes, but if you aren't able to
like, express yourself with your
hand and like, make.
Like emotions or sound like I don't
think that you'll be able to really,
like.
Embody the piece.
Yeah.
Totally. I didn't realize that.
That's also how you get volume two.
Yeah, right.
Yeah. Okay.
Cool.
Do you have any, like,
bad habits or
things that you're like that
might, like, be constantly, like,
reminding you about?
In the beginning, I think like now
too, Like I would never really get
distracted in my lesson.
But sometimes I just like,
get like very like focused.
But then also, like, I'm not
thinking about.
Anything at all, like, in my head.
So like, I kind of get distracted
easily. I don't think that's like in
my lessons, more just like me when
I'm practicing.
Also, like, I've never had a good
bowl, so like,
that's always just something I have
to work on.
But yeah.
I don't know.
He's always well, we're always
working on intonation and just like,
making sure that I'm playing like
how I want to play.
But yeah.
How long have you had the violin
that you currently have?
For about three
years.
Yeah, I think three years.
Okay. Does your violin have a name?
No, I think that's a thing.
But I haven't.
I haven't done that yet.
Just because like I don't know very
much about.
Do they need, like, much care?
Like maintenance?
Yeah. Well, you're supposed to,
like, clean your violin because,
like, you use rosin on
your bow hair to make sure that,
like, you can get a sound because,
like, the bow hairs are naturally,
like, very silky and, like,
so. So you wouldn't like, you need,
like, friction to, like, make a
sound, but.
Yeah, like, just like cleaning.
Making sure your island's clean.
You have to, like, replace the
strings with, like, wear out.
And then, like, getting bo hairs
because, like, the hairs will, like,
fall off eventually.
But, like, yeah, that's kind.
Of.
Where the violin fits into
the sound of the rest of the
orchestra. You just talk about like
where you fit with like other even
stringed instruments or have you
played in any.
Like quartets or anything like that.
Yeah, I feel like, well, the violin
is usually like one of, like, it's
obvious, like an upper voice.
So, like, it's usually more like
floating above.
But I think.
Yeah, I've never thought about this,
but.
I don't know. I feel like.
Yeah, just like I feel like all
instruments kind of just, like, work
together and like, the same way.
Like, depending on the piece, one
voice, like, might have like, a
bigger part. But I feel like they're
just, like, all coming together,
like, more equally.
Yeah.
But like, violins usually have,
like, the higher, like, melody.
Do you think you're going to keep
playing violin after high school?
I don't.
Know.
That violin is like definitely
like something that I really enjoy
and it's like a passion.
But I've always wanted to be
like a lawyer or like a politician.
So like, we'll definitely see.
I'll go to college and
but also like apply to
conservatories and stuff.
But I really just want to make
an impact on like people's lives.
So I want to, like, see
like where I can go.
Yeah. So it's an option.
Yeah.
Okay.
Cool.
All right. Okay.
You don't have anything else to add,
Will.
You can keep them, okay?
Right? No, no, because
I'll just use it for.
I'll use them.
Okay.